HELSINKI (AP) – Finnish authorities have formally accused senior officers aboard the oil tanker Eagle S of criminal offenses related to damage caused to undersea cables between Finland and Estonia in December 2023. The vessel, linked to Russia, reportedly dragged its anchor, damaging the Estlink-2 power cable and crucial communication links on December 25. The Kremlin has denied any involvement in this incident, which affected infrastructure that supports thousands of Europeans' power and communication needs.
The Eagle S, which is registered in the Cook Islands, has been identified by Finnish customs officials and the European Union's executive commission as part of Russia’s “shadow fleet.” This fleet comprises aging tankers with unclear ownership, which have been employed to circumvent Western sanctions imposed in response to the ongoing war in Ukraine. The use of these vessels raises significant environmental concerns, particularly given their age and the lack of proper Western-regulated insurance.
This incident adds to the mounting tensions between the West and Russia, as many believe the damage incurred and other incidents in Europe are indicative of sabotage activities orchestrated by Moscow since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Eagle S was reportedly transporting 35,000 tons of oil when it caused damage, trailing a drag mark nearly 100 kilometers (62 miles) long along the seabed before it was eventually stopped and escorted towards a Finnish port.
The Finnish police have disclosed that the senior officers involved, whose names remain undisclosed, include the master, the chief mate, and the second mate of the vessel. These individuals had responsibilities for the safe navigation and operation of the tanker and now face charges of aggravated criminal mischief and aggravated interference with telecommunications. Detective Chief Inspector Sami Liimatainen, who is overseeing the investigation for the National Bureau of Investigation, stated that the probe has sought to evaluate the officers' accountability regarding the vessel's condition and their awareness during the anchor's descent.
The findings from this investigation have been forwarded to Finnish prosecutors for potential charges. Despite the damage inflicted on the Estlink-2 cable, which is critical for providing approximately half of Estonia's winter electricity needs, the incident did not result in service interruptions. However, it has spurred a noticeable increase in energy prices across the Baltic nations.
The Estlink-2 cable itself spans about 90 miles (145 kilometers) and lies at a maximum depth of 90 meters (295 feet), situated among one of Europe's busiest shipping lanes. This network of undersea cables and pipelines plays an important role in linking Nordic, Baltic, and central European countries, facilitating trade, bolstering energy security, and in many cases, decreasing reliance on Russian energy supplies.
As investigations continue, the implications of this incident could have far-reaching effects not only on regional energy dynamics but also on the broader geopolitical landscape, as nations grapple with the repercussions of Russia's actions in the Baltic Sea region.
